On the road with Bedford, AEC, Eagle
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IT IS not often possible to try three strikingly different coaches aimed at the British market within three days of each other, But I was able to do just that last week. Dealers' annual coach shows provided a chance to sample Bedford's modified YMT chassis—now fitted with the 500 series engine—and the AEC Reliance, now being given another lease of life by British Leyland. An exciting newcomer which I went to Belgium to try is the Bus and Car Eagle now being marketed in Britain.
Needless to say, the Bedford is overshadowed by the two heavyweights in some ways— but it does make up on price. At £6,375 chassis price it is good value against the AEC (£11,137) and even more so the integral Eagle (£40,000)1 —this has stopped the potential danger of the handbrake flying off when the coach is parked.
The same gearbox is used as the YRT, and the ratios are well spaced and selection easy with no need for double declutching.
The weld near the top of the gear lever does, however, remain. The pedals were well spaced, but the accelerator was very stiff.
Ride in the empty vehicle was good as was the instrument layout. The keystart located on the steering-column was a big improvement over earlier models with the start on the dash.
With the driving position and the transmission sorted out, the chassis would be very good value for the money.